Days of Our Lives Recasts Javi Hernandez After Al Calderon Exit

Al Calderon is leaving his role as Javi Hernandez on NBC's Days of Our Lives to join the primetime medical drama Brilliant Minds as Nurse Scotty Silva. Although Calderon will continue appearing as Javi in episodes airing through May 2026, the soap opera plans to recast the character to keep his storyline alive. Days of Our Lives reassured fans that Javi remains an active character in Salem, currently involved in raising an infant named Tesoro with Leo, unaware of the baby's true origins. Calderon's departure follows other recent cast changes, including the onscreen death of longtime character John Black, portrayed by the late Drake Hogestyn. Brilliant Minds, inspired by the life and work of neurologist Oliver Sacks, features Zachary Quinto as its lead, marking a notable moment with the first openly gay lead in a network medical drama. Calderon's move represents a significant step in his career, transitioning from daytime soap to a prominent role in primetime television.